Downs coach makes Qld debut
SOFTBALL: Toowoomba is not only producing top representative softball players at a state and national level.
Kirsty Prouten also made her Queensland coaching debut this year at the U15 Softball Australian Championships.
The Warriors president and Toowoomba representative coach said it was an eye opening experience.
“I haven’t coached U15s for a while so it was good to get back and see what development we need in Toowoomba,” she said.
“I learnt things as a coach as well which was a good experience for me.”
The thing she noticed Toowoomba softball lacked was commitment to the sport.
“Players overcommit in so many different sports it’s hard to get that passion for softball that once was there,” she said.
However she said the sport was slowly building back up to where it used to be since numbers fell across the state.
“We are strong in Toowoomba, we also have a few top level umpires so as an association we are strong in that respect,” Prouten said.
This year there has also been three players selected for Qld U19s, two in U17s and some expected to be named in the U23 sides.
Toowoomba coaching coordinator Jayke Reynolds also coached the Qld U15 boys team this year.
“It’s good to see all the Toowoomba reps,” Prouten said.
“It means young kids have people they can look up to and strive to be like.
“I hope it grows the sport of softball.”
And with the return of softball into the 2020 Olympics Prouten believes it’s only a matter of time before it does grow in numbers and popularity.
“I love the sport and want to give back to the it and keep it going,” she said.
❝ I love the sport and want to give back to the it and keep it going. — Kirsty Prouten